REAL ESTATE

Sarasota, Fla. -- According to Brixmor Property Group, which owns the community shopping center, Publix is expanding from a 36,960-sq.-ft. store, open since 1972, and has redesigned and expanded in conjunction with the redevelopment of the center.

The opening of the new Publix store marks the completion of the redevelopment at Sarasota Village, which included improvements to the building façade for the retailers surrounding Publix, along with new landscaping, lighting, and an improved parking field.
 

New York City -- J.C. Penney is adding holiday shops on its main floor, the Associated Press reported.

The "Wrapt" shop concept will debut in the company’s Manhattan store this week. It will be rolled out to the chain’s stores nationwide on Oct. 24.

The in-store shops will carry about 300 items, with the majority exclusive to J.C. Penney, according to the report.

New York City -- Brixmor Property Group announced Tuesday a series of corporate and regional enhancements to its leasing and redevelopment capabilities as it re-focuses on growing portfolio occupancy, strengthening retailer relationships and ramping-up redevelopment efforts.

Timothy J. Bruce has been appointed executive VP, leasing and redevelopment and as a member of the company’s Management Committee.  

New York City -- Saks Fifth Avenue will close its store in downtown Pittsburgh in 2012, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported. The news follows negotiations between the retailer, the store’s landlord and city officials over funding for renovations to the building.

New York City -- Marimekk, the Finnish textile and clothing design company, will open a flagship in New York City, on Oct. 6. Located on Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District, the store will act as a showcase for new products.

The NYC store is based on the same concept as the Marimekko flagship opened in Helsinki earlier this year. Both locations were designed by the Japanese architectural firm IMA in cooperation with Marimekko's own shop design team.

Atlanta -- Jones Lang LaSalle announced Wednesday two new hires in the Southeast Region.

Andrea Kenney and John Lambert have joined the firm to provide strategic planning and evaluation of the positioning, merchandising and development of shopping centers as owners continue to look for ways to enhance their real estate operations and maximize tenancy.

New York City -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said it has successfully orchestrated a buy-out/lease disposition at 46 East 57th Street for jewelry house Buccellati, and simultaneously arranged its move to 810 Madison Avenue.

The Milan, Italy-based company has closed the East 57th Street store after more than four decades and will open in a new location on the "Jewel Mile" between 67th and 68th Streets.

Buccellati will take immediate possession of the former Bonpoint store at 810 Madison Avenue.
 

Indianapolis -- Kite Realty Group said that Dibella’s Subs will join Traders Point II shopping center, in Indianapolis, with a 3,200-sq.-ft. Indiana debut. The 447,507-sq.-ft. center is anchored by Bed Bath & Beyond, Books-A-Million, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marsh Supermarket, Michael’s, Old Navy, Petsmart and AMC Theatre.  

At Cool Creek Commons in Carmel, Ind., Kite leased 5,554 sq. ft. to Boom Bozz Pizza & Tap House, which will open its first location in Indiana.